Outdoor Blog

How to Empty a Portable Toilet While Camping

Published

6 years ago

February 14, 2020

how to empty a portable toilet while camping

Camping isn’t all that its made out to be. It’s isn’t all sitting around the campfire, roasting smores and telling stories under a clear starry sky. There’s also the dirty work. Cleaning mud from the tent, drying soaking clothes, and yes, disposing of your human waste. Yes, mother nature tends to call a few times a day and she also prefers if after you’ve responded to her call to get rid of your waste in a way that doesn’t harm her. So, let’s have the dirty talk and learn how we get rid of our human garbage while camping.

Some of you guys may go for the traditional method when you’re out in the sticks. Shovel in hand you dig a small hole behind a tree and cower down, hoping no one sees you getting up to your private business. This method tends to work in forest camping spots as you have the cover of trees.

The ground also needs to be soft enough to dig it without putting further strain on your stomach muscles, hastening the call to nature – good luck desert campers! Those of you who like a few of your home comforts when you’re in nature may wish to invest in a portable travel toilet in order to conduct your business in a manner that is somewhat similar to how you would do it at home.

You can poo with a view once you learn how to you a portable camping toilet.

So what is a portable toilet?

Portable toilets come in various shapes and sizes. When choosing your camping toilet you should consider it’s weight, storage capacity, and how to dispose of the waste. There are three main types of portable toilets.

Bucket toilet

This is the most basic type of portable toilet and it comprises of what it says it does – a bucket. To use one of these you put a plastic bag inside and line it up just as you would for a garbage can. This means that the bag collects all of the waste and you don’t have to deep clean it wearing a hazard suit every time you go to empty it. One disadvantage of the bucket toilet is the lack of comfort. A separate detachable toilet seat can be purchased separately so you don’t have to practice squats before your trip.

Another disadvantage of the bucket toilet is that it doesn’t have the ability to separate waste form solids and liquids, so its best to save it for only number twos unless you want to have a liquid-filled bag, prone to bursting open at any moment.

Additionally, the bucket does not have an odor removing capacity meaning you’ll need to empty it regularly if you cannot handle the stench. Although it is not the best portable camping toilet, the main advantage of the bucket is that it is a low-cost option so it is ideal if you’re a budget or an infrequent camper. As well as this, it is light and simple to carry and set up, freeing up space in your car when traveling to your campsite.

The compost toilet

Compost toilets are fairly similar to a standard toilet due to it having a flush and they can be among the best portable toilets. The pedestal sits in a higher position than a bucket toilet does, meaning you have less strain on your thighs. Many of them also come along with a toilet seat meaning that they offer a great deal more comfort than a bucket toilet. Toilet paper holders come with some models meaning that you will avoid the potential problem of forgetting when walking from your tent during the night.

Often they have smell erasing components and your waste gets flushed away, meaning that you aren’t faced with everyone else’s waste when you go to do your business. The disadvantage of these toilets is that they are bulky so they take up a lot of space in your car. This can be problematic if your campsite is a long distance from where you parked your car. Compost toilets use substances such as ash and sawdust in order to bond the waste together and allow it to compost.

Chemical toilet

The portable chemical toilet is fairly similar to a compost toilet. Most models have the same features as the compost toilets with the main difference being that chemical toilets contain substances to eliminate the smell. These are the same type of toilet as the porta-potty toilets that you’ll come across at festivals and big public events. Chemical toilets are not as environmentally friendly and the waste collected needs to be disposed of in a suitable manner

What you should look for when buying a portable camping toilet

Disposal of waste: Perhaps most importantly, and being the ultimate purpose of this article is how the waste is disposed of. Chemical toilets normally have substances that turn your urine into a solid. This is practical as it makes the waste a lot lighter and it means that you have less chance of spilling it. Because the waste is hardened and bonded together by the chemicals it makes it easier to clean after you have emptied it.

The tank capacity: When you are selecting which toilet to purchase you should consider how long your camping trips are and how many people you tend to go with. If you normally go with a large group then its best to invest in a toilet that can hold a greater capacity in order for you not to have to empty it out once a day. If you tend to go on a short trip with maybe just or two more people then a smaller toilet is likely to be suitable. It may even be worth investing in more than one toilet if your group size tends to be big because believe me no one wants to have to do the worst task of camping twice in a day!

The size: The size of the toilet is also an important aspect to consider. If you are an RV camper extra consideration should be taken at this point as the dimensions of the RV toilet must be suitable to fit into your camper van. Make sure that it is the correct height if you want it to be a more comfortable experience.

It is also worth checking out whether or not it has a sturdy platform. One of the big dangers of doing your business outside is the ground is not always flat or stable meaning that you could be put in the misfortunate position of the toilet falling over when you’re using it! As aforementioned, make sure the toilet is not too heavy or bulky if you need to carry it over a long distance.

Privacy: Not all of us are like Tarzan and like to have a bit of peace and quiet when unloading our bowels. Maybe there are fellow campers pitched up nearby or there is not a wooded area to give you some privacy from your friends. Nobody wants to be the butt of all the jokes around the campfire later on! If you’re prepared to spend a little bit extra then you can purchase a toilet that comes with a shelter or you can buy one separately, making it almost like a home toilet.

How to empty the toilet

So, you’ve been elected by your camping buddies to get wid of your collective waste, let’s see how you get rid of it with minimum exposure to it and to do the job with your dignity intact.

We should all strive to be responsible campers and dispose of our waste and garbage so we can protect the natural spots we enjoy and also out of respect to our fellow campers. Human waste will decompose over time but it also contains toxins that can be harmful to other campers and for nature.

If you simply empty it onto the ground it will be hazardous for an amount of time, leaving a great stench and a poor fellow camper may have the misfortune of stepping on it. If you are camping without a toilet, then make sure that you bury it under the soil. If you are using a portable toilet then follow these steps to make sure you’re a responsible camper.

Step 1: Find the disposal sight

Most campsites should have a designated area where you can empty your toilets and clean them afterward. These are often discreet spots and a small distance away from the campsite. Once you’ve pitched up your tent take a small wander around the campsite in order to locate it for when you need to use it. It’s not advisable to save this until you’ve removed the cassette or waste tank as no one wants to be searching for where the disposal point is whilst carrying a heavy tub of excrement.

Make sure that you work out a stable path between the authorized disposal area and your tent to avoid slipping or getting stuck while you are carrying your waste as that is the last thing that you want. Also, consider emptying your portable toilet early in the morning or just before the sunset. These times should be quieter meaning you shouldn’t have to queue up to empty and clean your portable toilet.

Step 2: Preparing your portable toilet for unloading

The majority of portable toilets come with two tanks. A freshwater tank and a waste tank. It is best to opt for a two-tanked toilet as these are the easiest to empty. First of all, take off the catch that holds the water tank and holding tank together. When dealing with hazardous substances it is always best to use disposable gloves to minimize the chance of collecting bacteria. The tanks tend to lightweight as they are designed to be emptied when you’re in the backcountry but you may have to walk a far distance with them. If so, the best option could be to empty the tank on a more regular basis.

Step 3: Take your tank to the disposal area

Carefully take your tank over to the designated disposal area, taking your time to avoid any mishaps. Disposal areas can vary in differences. Some of them have open grids that you pour your waste onto and others come in a format that is like a trash dispenser with a lid on.

Remove the cap from the top of the spout of your waste holding tank and hold it carefully preparing it for emptying. Some waste tanks come with a rotating spout. The rotating spout pours the waste further away from your hands and standing position, minimizing the risk of getting splashed. If your waste tank does not have a spout then make sure to a further step back as to not risk getting splashed. Simply pour out the waste onto the grid or disposal tank until the waste has subsided.

Step 4: Washing your waste tank

Close to the waste disposal area, there should be a tap or hose to clear out your tank. Refill the tank with clean water, put the lid back on, and shake it a little to remove any bits that have stuck to the side. Empty the water back into the disposal area and keep repeating the process until the water starts to run clear.

Step 5: Return the tank

If you are still in the middle of your camping trip leave a little bit of freshwater inside and mix in the disinfectant toilet chemicals so it is ready to be used again. If it is a cleanup at the end of your trip then don’t follow this step. Carry the waste holding tank back to your portable toilet and replace it as it was before. If your water tank needs to be refilled then now is the ideal time to take it over to the tank or hose to do so. Dispose of your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly to ensure you haven’t picked up any harmful bacteria.

A person washing their hands under a sink.

Keep your waste disposal a clean and hygienic process.

Emptying a compost toilet

Compost toilets are different from chemical toilets as no substances are used. If you were to empty a chemical toilet into nature, not only the excrement but the chemicals inside can be environmentally harmful. Compost toilets use substances such as sawdust and ash to break down the harmful toxins found in human waste. This makes it appropriate to be disposed of in nature

Your compost toilet normally has a biodegradable bag installed to catch your solids. Once this is full, remove and tie the waste bag carefully. From this point, you have two options. It is legal to dispose of human waste in the general trash – for example, diapers and dog poo are disposed of in this manner – so feel free to use the campsites trash bins for this.

If no bins are available and you’re out in the wilderness then your second option is to bury it. Make sure that you bury it at least 10 inches deep. The deeper the better. The bag is biodegradable so it will dissolve fairly quickly once buried. Take note that because these bags are biodegradable they are made of thinner material. Don’t wait too long before emptying them or they could split if they are too heavy!

Composting toilets have a dry flush and there is no water tank. Instead, the waste is split into two different sections, solid waste, and liquid waste. The liquid section can be disposed of in the same manner as we mentioned for the chemical toilets, at the designated disposable area. If you are in the wilderness then you can also carefully empty this out into the ground as urine is safe to dispose of and won’t be a threat to the environment and future campers.

Final Verdict:

Emptying your portable toilet when camping tends to be the most stressful and least pleasant part of a camping trip, yet it is necessary. There is no worse camper than those who are not responsible when clearing their mess and ruining great camping spots for other people and for nature.

It is important to know how to dispose of your waste correctly and safely and to get into a good practice of doing it. Campsite restrooms are not always pleasant and are often poorly maintained, meaning that many of us put our reliance on portable toilets. We hope you don’t have too much fun doing this job, but we certainly wish you the best in your toilet emptying endeavors!

Bonus tip: Check out this useful video to get an idea of how simple emptying a portable toilet can be!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

1 week ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.